Retribution

Chapter 8 - Self-Doubts

By the time the horses were saddled up and ready to go, the Thelwell scene from the indoor arena had disappeared, leaving us the freedom to do as we pleased. The Olympic sized space had eight jumps in varying stages of demolition with poles and wings knocked all over the place. I took Roxy down the bottom end, keeping out of the way of Charlie who had a look of determination on her face that Jake was going to love this way of riding.

For twenty minutes, I worked the lovely mare, my smile growing with each minute that passed. She looked at nothing, completely unphased by her new country and strange surroundings. Her focus was solely on me and that was worth more than a winning lottery ticket. By the time I settled back into a leisurely walk and headed up towards Charlie, Jake was sat atop Doc doing left handed spins at a rate of knots.

After a lope and a sliding stop, Jake's beaming grin told me he'd been sold.

"Go on," Charlie said, smirking. "Go for a ride around the fields like some cheesy romantic film."

Jake glanced over at me, his eyes twinkling with amusement. A red-hot blush swept straight up my neck and across my face. I pushed Roxy towards the gate that lead out of the arena and onto the picturesque countryside beyond. John's family owned nearly two thousand acres, eight hundred of which was just for the horses. Riding across it was just pure heaven.

As we meandered along the grassy land, I put my reins in one hand and relaxed completely. I had no doubts this mare was as safe as houses. It was a liberating feeling for me to allow myself to chill out to this degree; where I felt nothing could hurt me in any way.

"So," I said, grinning at Jake. "The verdict is?"

He leaned forwards and patted Doc's chestnut neck. "I'm pleasantly surprised. Definitely not what I expected."

"Is that code for you want to do it again?"

He smiled at me and leaned on the horn. "It's code for I may have to introduce some elements of this training to my own horses."

"I told you you'd get bitten by the bug."

Laughing, he nodded. "Just don't tell Charlie that—yet."

We carried on at a steady pace, swapping stories of horrid ponies, painful falls, and triumphant victories. I was so calm and happy, it seemed like years ago rather than two hours ago that I'd been facing Adam at my front door.

When we arrived back at the stables, the pony clubbers were having their lunch which served some sort of peace over the fantastic setting. Dismounting, we led the horses back inside, unsaddling them in a comfortable silence.

Charlie crept up behind me, making me jump. "You nearly gave me a heart attack," I said, leaning against Roxy as I calmed my racing heart.

She sighed, crossed her arms over her chest and stared at Jake hosing down Doc in the wash bay.

"You're married," I said, giggling. "John? About six-two, fifteen stone, bushy moustache..."

"Doesn't mean I can't look," she said, laughing. "Anyway, what's the deal with you and him? Is it a fling, hot sex, just friends...?"

"No," I said, dropping my voice to a whisper. "We've done nothing more than go out for dinner. That's it."

Her jaw dropped open. "Are you freaking kidding me, woman? You are aware of how hot that man is?"

I blushed and giggled. "Of course I am. Doesn't mean I'm...you know...ready."

A look of sympathy flashed across her face. She put an arm around my shoulders and hugged me to her side. "I know," she said. "I'm proud of you though with how far you've come. You're doing great and don't let anyone tell you otherwise."